During the Holidays, it might be challenging for many to feel happy or peaceful when you get together with family members due to past or present hurts and emotional pain. Emotions may come up that cause you shut down, get angry, or feel betrayed. Old wounds surface if someone says or does something that triggers you. It isn’t easy dealing with the people closest to us at times. They are the ones that can press your buttons and know what buttons to press to get a reaction out of you.

Your feelings are your best guidance system. They are there to let you know exactly what you need to heal inside of you. When they surface, pay attention to them. Don’t dismiss them by drowning them with to much alcohol, numbing yourself with drugs or stuffing yourself with to much food. Instead, read an inspirational passage in a book, watch an uplifting movie, volunteer for a few hours to those less fortunate, take a walk or whatever brings joy into your heart. If you need to dismiss yourself from the gathering to protect yourself, that too is OK.

Thanksgiving is about giving thanks, being grateful and appreciating what you do have and feeling good will connect you with those emotions.